LIMITLESS Leaders Toolkit: Navigating Bias, Power & Professional Risk-Implicit Bias

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This episode of the Limitless Leaders podcast focuses on implicit bias and microaggressions in plastic surgery. Host Dr. Nupur Gangopadhyay speaks with Dr. Anu Bajaj and Dr. Victoria Vasteen about their experiences as women surgeons in training, private practice, hospital leadership, and national society roles.<br /><br />Both guests share examples of being addressed by first names instead of “Doctor,” being overlooked in meetings, and facing gendered assumptions about family and leadership. They discuss how these moments often reflect unconscious bias rather than overt hostility, and how hard it can be to respond in the moment. Their advice emphasizes active listening, speaking up respectfully, using titles consistently, and addressing issues directly rather than letting them slide.<br /><br />The conversation also explores systemic bias in healthcare and professional organizations. The speakers stress the importance of diversity in leadership, diverse images and before-and-after photos in patient materials, mentorship, and involving residents and students in leadership development. They note that many standard diversity interventions have limited impact, and that real change requires cultural shifts, broader representation, and ongoing self-awareness.<br /><br />Overall, the episode encourages leaders to recognize bias, listen more carefully, and create more inclusive environments for both colleagues and patients.

Keywords

implicit bias

microaggressions

plastic surgery

women surgeons

gender bias

healthcare leadership

diversity and inclusion

mentorship